Back-to-School Expenses Surge for UAE Parents Ahead of Reopening; Shopping Strategies and Savings

With less than two weeks remaining before schools reopen in the UAE, parents are grappling with the financial burden of back-to-school expenses, which reportedly can reach as high as Dh2,000 per child, excluding tuition fees. Many families are already in the midst of their shopping endeavors, navigating between new purchases, discounts, and pre-loved items. While community platforms like WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages facilitate the exchange of reused school items and discounted supplies, parents emphasize that certain essentials still need to be acquired as new items.

Naeema Zaki, an American expat whose three children attend an American curriculum school in Abu Dhabi, highlights the significant costs associated with school uniforms, sportswear, and accessories. Uniform expenses alone can amount to Dh1,000 per child, with additional costs for specialized items like swimwear (Dh200) and footwear (Dh200 or more). Accessories such as socks, lunchboxes, and water bottles further contribute to the financial strain. On top of this, stationery items, typically priced between Dh150-200, are essential. Notably, electronic items like iPads or laptops are not included in these estimates but can add to the overall expenditure, particularly as children advance through different academic levels.

Ben Lebig, a Filipino expat, shares that, as the parent of an only child, the incremental nature of school expenses becomes evident as children grow older. He outlines an approximate breakdown of expenses, including Dh1,500 for shoes and uniforms, and Dh1,000 for books. Additional costs such as bus fees and tuition fee increments for advancing grades contribute to the financial strain.

While some expenses are consistent year-to-year, electronic items like Apple pens and keyboards, which may be required by schools, present new costs. These electronic accessories can amount to Dh220 for the pen and Dh150 for the keyboard, as experienced by one parent. To cut costs, some parents explore second-hand options for uniforms and take advantage of promotions and sales. Zoya Shaikh, whose daughter is moving to Grade 5, managed to save money by obtaining a friend's used uniform. She also highlights the importance of strategic shopping during promotions, sharing her purchases of shoes, a lunchbox, a school bag, and a water bottle.

Amidst these financial challenges, parents are seizing the opportunity to save during ongoing summer sales. The Abu Dhabi Shopping Season, running from June 23 to September 10, offers back-to-school deals across 25 participating malls, including Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall, and Reem Mall. In Dubai, the Dubai Summer Surprise (DSS) boasts up to 75% discounts at over 3,000 outlets, running from June 29 to September 3. Sharjah residents are also enjoying a 65-day shopping extravaganza with discounts ranging from 25% to 75% on global brands across various shopping malls and stores.

In conclusion, as schools in the UAE prepare for reopening, parents are navigating the financial challenges of back-to-school expenses, which can reach Dh2,000 per child. Strategies such as reusing items, taking advantage of promotions, and opting for pre-loved options help alleviate the financial strain. Ongoing summer sales, such as the Abu Dhabi Shopping Season, DSS in Dubai, and Sharjah's shopping extravaganza, offer opportunities for cost savings during this crucial period of preparation for the new academic year.